The Wee Free Men

The first in a series of Discworld novels starring the young witch Tiffany Aching.

A nightmarish danger threatens from the other side of reality. . . .

Armed with only a frying pan and her common sense, young witch-to-be Tiffany Aching must defend her home against the monsters of Fairyland. Luckily she has some very unusual help: the local Nac Mac Feegle—aka the Wee Free Men—a clan of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men.

Together they must face headless horsemen, ferocious grimhounds, terrifying dreams come true, and ultimately the sinister Queen of the Elves herself. . . .

"Another world is colliding with this one," said the toad. "All the monsters are coming back."

"Why?" said Tiffany.

"There's no one to stop them.

There was silence for a moment.

Then Tiffany said, "There's me."

Armed only with a frying pan and her common sense, Tiffany Aching, a young witch-to-be, is all that stands between the monsters of Fairyland and the warm, green Chalk country that is her home. Forced into Fairyland to seek her kidnaped brother, Tiffany allies herself with the Chalk's local Nac Mac Feegle -- aka the Wee Free Men -- a clan of sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men who are as fierce as they are funny. Together they battle through an eerie and ever-shifting landscape, fighting brutal flying fairies, dream-spinning dromes, and grimhounds -- black dogs with eyes of fire and teeth of razors -- before ultimately confronting the Queen of the Elves, absolute ruler of a world in which reality intertwines with nightmare. And in the final showdown, Tiffany must face her cruel power alone....

In a riveting narrative that is equal parts suspense and humor, Carnegie Medalist Terry Pratchett returns to his internationally popular Discworld with a breathtaking tale certain to leave fans, new and old, enthralled.

“Enthralling and rewarding. What’s not to love about a girl who takes on vicious monsters armed with only a frying pan?” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A lovely romp for Pratchett fans of all ages.” - Locus

“Wonderful language, genuinely scary explorations, and a young girl whose growing up is believable and exciting.” - The Chicago Tribune

“An enthralling and rewarding read.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The Carnegie Medal winner’s fans will not be disappointed.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Just the package to appeal to those who admire not just a brave heart but a quick comeback as well.” - The Horn Book (starred review)

“Like Celtic mythology fused with ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’” - New York Times Book Review

“Perfect for anyone who enjoys The Princess Bride and the works of Douglas Adams.” (starred review) - KLIATT

“With its wry wit and acerbic collision of the mystical with the mundane, the latest book in Pratchett’s internationally popular Discworld, is good solid storytelling done in a style that reads like Celtic mythology fused with the girl power of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” with dialogue by Robert Burns.” - New York Times Book Review

“The humor and the danger will appeal to Discworld fans and also readers who relish J. K. Rowling’s Harry.” - ALA Booklist

“A glorious read.” - School Library Journal (starred review)